Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie) Jul 2013

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Azizi
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 01:05 PM

My condolences to Katlaughing's family.

The good she did lives on.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: maeve
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:31 PM

Del, many of us know your beautiful music very well. Kat was so happy for you when we could enjoy your compositions. Thanks for that! I hope you will keep on composing and making your music available. Kat was proud of you and loved you.

Maeve, in Maine

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Del-- Kat's Brother
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:27 PM

Right now I don't see how life can go on without her, but I know it must. I lovingly thank all of you on the Mudcat Cafe for your wonderful thoughts and remembrances of her. You were all a lifeline for her, and it looks like she was a lifeline for a lot of you. I lived with her and Roger and family back East for 7 years, and know how she loved and chrished her beloved kitties and dogs. I am glad Roger has the ashes she saved of them to be mingled with hers! I think she is now dancing and laughing with them where she is, since our Beloved pets who have passed are the among first to greet us,as Sylvia Browne and other psychics explain in their books. Thanks to you all, Del

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Delton Lorenzo Hudson
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:11 PM

I am Katlaughing's brother. Her passing is so hard for me to accept. My heart aches. She was intertwined with my life and my music. (I'm a Classical composer.)A beautiful Soul.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Hollowfox
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 11:30 AM

I've been trying to find the right words for a few days now, and georgeward's post says it perfectly. Katlaughing was here for me when I joined the 'Cat all those years ago, and although she didn't know it, her posts were a big help to me when I needed a kind word and a helping hand. Shhe was my first secret Santee in the first gift exchange, and I'm still proud that I surprised her with stuff that was just right, Missyakat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 08:53 AM

Kat and I shared ancestry stories and great movies on line. Never met her in person but lots of e-mail's were shared as well. A great loss to Mudcat and all who knew her.
Adrien (aka BEER)

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Max
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:40 AM

She would often call me by accident and we'd have the loveliest, most monumental conversations. Joy is less in this world now. Words cannot express how much I luvyakat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:37 AM

Death Notice July 25, 2013
Grand Junction Sentenal

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/death-notices-july-25-2013


Kathleen Louise LaFrance, 60, Clifton, died July 21, 2013, at her home.

Services are pending through Palisade Funeral Home.

Mrs. LaFrance was an author.

Survivors include her husband, Roger; one son, Collin of Loveland; two daughters, Kirsten Josiah of Gratin, Conn., Jerusha of Clifton; one brother, Delton Hudson of Grand Junction; three sisters, Betty Landon of Phoenix, Ariz., and Priscilla Chaney and Rebecca Hudson, both of Casper, Wyo.; and three grandchildren.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

So long old paint.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 03:05 AM

Wonderful words.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: freda underhill
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:37 AM

thank you Kat for your kindness, insight, wisdom and compassion.

here is a song for your passing

Gracias a la Vida

and here is a translation of the words to the song

Thanks to Life
(written by Violeta Parra)

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me two beams of light, that when opened,
Can perfectly distinguish black from white
And in the sky above, her starry backdrop,
And from within the multitude
The one that I love.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me an ear that, in all of its width
Records— night and day—crickets and canaries,
Hammers and turbines and bricks and storms,
And the tender voice of my beloved.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me sound and the alphabet.
With them the words that I think and declare:
"Mother," "Friend," "Brother" and the light shining.
The route of the soul from which comes love.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me the ability to walk with my tired feet.
With them I have traversed cities and puddles
Valleys and deserts, mountains and plains.
And your house, your street and your patio.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me a heart, that causes my frame to shudder,
When I see the fruit of the human brain,
When I see good so far from bad,
When I see within the clarity of your eyes…

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me laughter and it gave me longing.
With them I distinguish happiness and pain—
The two materials from which my songs are formed,
And your song, as well, which is the same song.
And everyone's song, which is my very song.

...............

with love and respect, freda

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: georgeward
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:23 AM

I cannot think what I might add to what has been said so well here by so many, so many of whom knew Kat more personally (even when "only" electronically) than I did.

I also cannot imagine not posting to honor someone whose great heart so enriched this place and whose soul shines through every one of these posts.

Honor her ? Love what she meant to this community ? Hate to imagine it without her ? Yes, forever and aye.

- G

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:05 AM

Good to hear from you, Haruo. Kat's special gift was to bring people together here. The gift that just keeps giving.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Haruo
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:53 PM

Been a couple days since I check the 'Cat and to see this at the top of the queue... how terribly sad for all who knew her here and elsewhere, even those of us who only knew her "virtually".

I'll sing for her at the next song circle or chantey sing I make it to.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:17 PM

Sincere condolences to Kat's family and friends. We'll sing a song for her tomorrow night in Texas.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:08 PM

M. Ted, what an insightful analysis. A real tribute to Kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:12 PM

LEJ... "I'm sure Katlaughing would be smiling to see all of us together here again."

She is... because we are in her memory. My tears are gone. Just smiles from now on... and thanks... for kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: bet
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:48 PM

Yes Bassen, I had forgotten that we called her out little Norwegian. Still remembering the good times.   Bananana splits after Christmas shopping was a real treat. I was in high school then so she was probably 6-8,9 when we did that.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:48 PM

Hi Peter. Lots of old faces showing up the last couple of days. I'm sure Katlaughing would be smiling to see all of us together here again.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From:
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:29 PM

Sad, sad news. I 0nly knew Kat from hearme and paltalk. Happy days. RIP Kat                                                                      Scalliwag

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:22 PM

Such sad news. Our thoughts go out to all Kat's friends and family. We talked with Kat on the phone once from New Mexico. We'd hoped to meet up but that wasn't to be. We exchanged songs and poems and happy messages over the years, but we never met. Joy and Hildebrand in Australia.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:08 PM

Yes, SRS, Bet is Kat's sister. Bet, you and I have been in touch on and off, as music teachers. I'm feeling for you and your family these days. Much love flowing your way!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Monique
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:51 PM

Just back home from a trip. I'm so sorry to hear the news, she was such a wonderful woman, so nice and so caring. I can hardly believe she passed away. May you rest in peace, Kat!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Peter T.
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:49 PM

Kat has been a friend for over a decade, and we have talked and laughed on the phone and here at Mudcat many, many times. I'm sorry I never met her. She was a great spirit, and -- as others have said -- the central loving spirit of the Mudcat. Among the strange things about contemporary life is this sort of thing -- deep connection to people you never met, but who reveal themselves in their beauty over the long haul, year in and year out, and who you can't help but love. It's amazing to think about how much she influenced and bettered so many people's lives just by being here as herself. The sweetheart of the rodeo.

bye, Kat. Thanks for everything.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: bassen
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:15 PM

Her kindness kept me here all those years ago. The Norwegian poet Wessel's words come to mind:

We sigh because her life is o'er
We remember her
And smile once more.

For Kat, who was called Little Norwegian as a child.


Sverre Johan Svendsen

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:56 PM

I had no idea that Kat was so ill. I had hoped to have time. One of life's lessons; sometimes there is no more time. But my feeling is that Kat remains with us, living in our hearts and minds, with us in the spirit. Morgan was so gifted to have her this long. all his life he will have good memories and will know what she would tell him whenever he stops to wonder.

This verse came to me as I read the thread. So shall it be:

May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on.

kundalini yoga - farewell blessing

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Rue - SRS
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:41 PM

Bet is my aunt & Kat's sister.. Mat is my cousin & Bat's son .. he posted further up in the thread ..

Thank you everyone!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Kim C
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:23 PM

:-(

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: melodeonboy
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:00 PM

Condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 02:48 PM

Maggie and others......Rue and Kirsten are daughters and Colin is her son.

ALSO---Keep an eye out for one additional thread which Rue requested and which we will do....I'll start it late Thursday night or Friday.....This is a chemo week for me so it could be either.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Crowhugger
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 02:31 PM

What sad, sad news to read. Oh my, I can hardly absorb it... kat I'll miss you. Such a hole there now where you used to be. All my love and condolences to Roger, Morgan, the whole family. And to everyone here at mudcat.
~CH.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:45 PM

bet, are you Kat's sister? I don't have all of the family connections worked out.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:28 PM

Bradfordian - I couldn't find your link below the line, so here are Kat's words above the line, from this thread in 1999:

Subject: RE: A Song or Two for Colorado's Victims
From: katlaughing - PM
Date: 21 Apr 99 - 12:35 AM

"That's not my Colorado
With the blue skies up above,
That's not my Colorado,
Where the school ran with blood.

That's not my Colorado
Where my parents grew up proud
That's not my Colorado
Senseless killing was not allowed.

Colorado was the beauty
Of the Rocky Mountains high
Colorado was the quiet
Of the river's gentle sigh.

Colorado meant a home to me
And now, I know it not
That's not my Colorado
Where the children felt the shot."

kathleen lafrance 4-20-99
Well, phoaks, it's not a song and not the best I've ever written, but it comes from my heart which is heavy with sorrow for all the parents, children, educators and everyone else involved and for my ancestral home.

Just plain Kat, tonight there is no laughter

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:22 PM

Sometimes I would get upset at this place or at another because of some insane things that get posted here. Kat was one of the few people to calm me down, tell me how much others cared .. she had a way of touching the heart of every person who talked with her or shared a thread with her. She was the very first person to welcome me to this place. We became friends. I called her sister.

I will miss her more than I can say .. Thank you Kat for all the good you have done. You left tracks in the sand of life that we all should follow. You did it right hon .. you did it really right in this thing called life

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:21 PM

My warm condolences to Rue and to Morgan and to Roger. This is a hard moment for them, I know, and for all her loyal Mudcat friends as well. Chin up.

A

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:33 AM

So sorry to hear the news too.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Rue for SRS (Maggie)
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:49 AM

Morgan loves cursive write =) ... though its not taught in school anymore .. he practices it on his own .. He will be 10 on Nov. 14th .. thank you

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Guest.Colin
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:21 AM

Such great condolences. I am happy that Mom had so many friends here!

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: bet
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:54 AM

M.Ted
One of Kat's favorite songs.
Such wonderful post from everyone! She found her place when she found THe Mudcat.
Thanks to all of you.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: M.Ted
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 08:54 AM

She was always here, and it seemed like a thread wasn't really a thread until she'd posted. Over the years we share so many "Oh, my God, am I here all alone?" moments, interspersed with thoughts about painting kitchens, and such things. Old friends who never actually met...

Very early on, she taught me something very important about writing online--and as I, and others, learned it, Mudcat and the internet, and the world changed a lot.

As a writer, she was very conscious of her voice. In the early days of the internet, most people either wrote in a kind of "Hey, Good Buddy!"voice that was heavy on jargon and short on substance, or they wrote long, meandering discourses. She wrote her posts as if they were letters from home-brief but complete thoughts, ideas, stories, advice, but always putting a picture of herself in everything she posted.

It often occurred to me that she wrote with the idea that she'd be reading it later--which is to say, she knew that you had to live with what you've put on the page.

Whether you liked what she said, or didn't, you always knew who she was. She wasn't an internet persona, or a troll, or a cyber-anything--she really was the person that you saw in her posts, and she showed us that if we to do it, too, then Mudcat could be a place just like the living room or the back porch.

So for the better part of 15 years, she was a friend, companion, sounding board, and constant presence. It's hard to imagine Mudcat without her.

As the song says, "Weep all you little rains, wail, winds, wail." We're going to miss you a lot, Kat.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 05:51 AM

I'm another one who only knew Kat through Mudcat....but I always valued her contributions. She'll be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: BlueJay
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 05:10 AM

I met Kat and Roger only once, in Cheyenne, WY. (What a great time, with K&R, and a bunch of other Mudcatters). While my Mudcat days are now mostly lurking, I am deeply saddened by this news. I always considered her to be a true friend; I hope she felt the same. Rest in peace, Great Lady. You have touched so many, for so long. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:47 AM

I am sorry she is gone.

I am very glad she was here.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Stu
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:46 AM

Really sad and shocked to hear this news. I never met Kat, but it's difficult to imagine Mudcat without her.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:07 AM

I can't pretend my own relationship with kat was not without its ups and downs but I believe any differences we had were resolved a long while ago. My own approach to the Internet has changed (in part because of my own mistakes of the past) in that (as well as only being an occasional visitor here) I generally prefer not to get personally involved these days.

That said, when I look back now and reflect upon Mudcat, kat to me does remind me of what I feel were happier, friendlier (and perhaps with hearme/paltalk, more exciting) times here.

I'm sorry to read of her passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: bradfordian
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:18 AM

I have posted the lyrics of Kat's song "That's Not My Colorado" in the BS Mudcat Tavern Special Opening thread below the line, just to colour in a little more of Kat's character.

bradfordian

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:37 AM

I was told elsewhere that Max has been out of town (he goes to Montana every year). I haven't heard if he has returned yet.

Rue, how old is Morgan now? Is he reading cursive? I am going to send a card, and want to be sure it's readable.

SRS (Maggie)

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: GUEST,Rue .. to Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:54 AM

I talked to NightOwl .. Joe, she asked if anyone had let Max know.. since I don't know everyone Catter names/really names.. do you know if the news as been passed on to Max?

And Morgan has been checking the threaded .. he "know there would be some post but never thought it would be so many" ... thank you everyone .. your love & support has meant the world to him ... Rue

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:37 AM

I remember way back when, when Spaw was in the hospital with that aortic aneurism, Kat would call me or email me so we could send Spaw healing. She cared so much about so many people here. It leaves a great hole.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:36 AM

What LEJ said.

Subject: RE: Obit: For Katlaughing (aka: Kat / Latie)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:26 AM

"...I know this is a circle
And the circle never ends
I just hope that I have played my part
And been worthy of my friends"

Oh, you have, Kat, you definitely have!
RIP